Estuaries, anthropogenic impacts
In: Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer: Dordrecht. ISSN 1388-4360; e-ISSN 1871-756X, more
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| Abstract |
Estuaries are highly stressed, physically controlled ecosystems characterized by wide variations in environmental conditions. A multitude of anthropogenic activities also affects these coastal ecotones and can significantly impact their water quality, habitats, and biotic communities. These activities are closely coupled to accelerated population growth and development in coastal watersheds. By the year 2025, the coastal population worldwide is expected to approach six billion people (Weber, 1994; Hameedi, 1997). Poorly planned human settlement in the coastal zone will lead to greater stresses on estuarine systems worldwide. |
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